Fishko Files

David Lang’s one-act opera The Loser tells the story of two fictional piano students - both Glenn Gould wannabes - whose lives are turned upside down by their idolatry and frustration. Just before the work’s premiere in 2016, WNYC’s Sara Fishko spoke to Lang for this Fishko Files . David Lang's  has just been  released digitally and on CD. Fishko Files  with Sara Fishko Assistant Producer: Olivia Briley Mix Engineer: Bill Moss and Wayne Shulmister Editor: Karen Frillmann

This Sunday will mark 70 years since a speech by Senator Joseph McCarthy cranked up America's post-World War II, anti-Communist crusade - and set in motion something known as McCarthyism . WNYC's Sara Fishko has more in this episode of  Fishko Files . Fishko Files  with Sara Fishko Assistant Producer: Olivia Briley Mix Engineer: Bill Moss and Wayne Shulmister Editor: Karen Frillmann

One of the most eccentric and interesting artistic partnerships of the 20th century, as WNYC's Sara Fishko tells us, was the collaboration between the composer Virgil Thomson and the writer and poet Gertrude Stein . Together, the two were instrumental in inventing American opera. More, in this episode of  Fishko Files . 's production of  The Mother of Us All , 100 years after the 19th amendment, begins Saturday, February 8, with four performances through February 14. Thanks to Karen Ludwig for her reading of Gertrude Stein's poem " ." For more on Thomson's years at the Chelsea Hotel, listen to this archival edition of  Fishko Files . Chelsea Hotel / Fishko Files (2001) The opera's premiere in 1947 was broadcast on WNYC from Columbia University's Brander Matthews Hall. Hear the entire performance, courtesy of Andy Lanset and the WNYC Archives. The Mother of Us All / 1947 Premiere Fishko Files  with Sara Fishko Assistant Producer: Olivia Briley Mix Engineer: Bill Moss Editor: Karen Frillmann

As the Met Opera's production of Porgy and Bess enters its final weeks, WNYC's Sara Fishko sorts through the long, checkered history of the piece in this archival Fishko Files - produced during the polarizing 2012 Broadway revival. continues at the Met Opera through February 15. Fishko Files  with Sara Fishko Assistant Producer: Olivia Briley Mix Engineer: Wayne Shulmister and Paul Schneider Editor: Karen Frillmann

Coming up in two weeks: New York Fashion Week ! From WNYC’s Sara Fishko is this archival Fishko Files , with a little history. Fishko Files  with Sara Fishko Assistant Producer: Olivia Briley Mix Engineer: Wayne Shulmister and Paul Schneider Editor: Karen Frillmann